In this Voices in the Field episode, hosts Jim Reese and Dr. Brittany Jacobs welcome Kellie Cavalier, VP of Pro Ops and Events at League One Volleyball. She reflects on her journey from global sport experiences and event operations at RFK Stadium to helping build a professional volleyball league that’s reshaping the landscape of women’s sports. 

Kellie discusses the unique challenges of launching a startup league, the importance of mentorship and hands-on learning, and how passion drives success in the industry. She also shares advice for students and early-career professionals on finding their path in sports management. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it take to run game day at Notre Dame? In this episode of Voices in the Field, hosts Dr. Jim Reese and Dr. Brittany Jacobs welcome Scott Carter, Notre Dame’s Assistant Athletic Director for Event and Game Management, for a dive into the fast-paced, behind-the-scenes world of college sports.   

From scrubbing cleats and dishes in a minor league clubhouse to leading event operations at one of the most iconic universities in the country, Scott shares his winding career path, the real challenges of event logistics, and why learning what you don’t want to do can shape your future. Whether you're a sport management student, a curious fan, or an aspiring AD, this episode delivers honest insights, unexpected advice, and a front-row seat to the teamwork that makes game day happen. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, APU’s Jim Reese and Brittany Jacobs sit down with Donte Hewlett, General Manager at Lucky Strike in Durham, North Carolina. Donte shares his unfiltered and deeply human story of rising through the ranks in the sports and food & beverage industries – from grinding in sales for MLB teams to running large-scale food and beverage operations across the country. 

With refreshing honesty, he discusses professional setbacks, navigating corporate politics, building meaningful relationships, and the importance of knowing your worth. Donte’s story is a powerful reminder that success rarely follows a straight line – and that resilience, integrity, and connection often matter more than titles. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, APU’s Dr. Bjorn Mercer moderates a compelling conversation with Nuno Fernandes, President of American Public University System, and Lori Glover, J.D., Managing Director, Global Strategic Alliances, MIT's Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL), one of the most prominent AI research laboratories worldwide. The discussion explores the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education and beyond.  

Fernandes and Glover highlight how AI can personalize learning experiences, democratize access to knowledge, and reshape the workforce by automating routine tasks and augmenting human decision making. They emphasize the importance of domain expertise, ethical AI use, and equipping both students and faculty with tools to thrive in an AI-driven future. Real-world applications—ranging from pilot training to streamlining college credit transfers—showcase how AI is already enhancing education and workplace efficiency. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, APU’s Dr. Jim Reese sits down with James DeMeo, a security expert with decades of experience in law enforcement and event security. DeMeo shares his journey from working in law enforcement on Long Island to becoming a consultant and educator specializing in security for sports venues. He dives into the challenges of keeping large crowds safe at stadiums and concerts, emphasizing the “duty of care” that security teams owe to attendees. DeMeo highlights how vital it is for venue managers to balance creating a safe environment with making the fan experience enjoyable.

He also talks about the latest security tools, from biometrics to surveillance technology, that help identify potential threats before they escalate. For students, especially those with military backgrounds, DeMeo offers advice: start networking, keep learning, and get hands-on experience. He believes new professionals in sports security can make a big impact by understanding the importance of collaboration, proactive planning, and staying on top of security trends.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this insightful discussion, APU’s Dr. Bjorn Mercer and Dr. Mitch Colver explore the transformative role of generative AI in enhancing lifelong learning and critical thinking. Dr. Colver highlights how tools like ChatGPT serve as valuable aids in distributed cognition, helping individuals process information more efficiently and navigate complex topics in both personal and professional contexts.

The conversation touches on practical applications of generative AI, from resolving family debates to aiding in understanding complex texts. Dr. Colver emphasizes the importance of using AI as a resource to augment human ingenuity rather than replace it, underscoring the value of maintaining critical inquiry and intellectual engagement. Together, they advocate for a balanced approach, where AI complements human expertise, fostering deeper learning and creative problem-solving.  

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.